Features and Functionality Parallels Remote Application Server Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly XenDesktop)
Effortless application publishing Yes Limited
Pricing Low High
Straightforward licensing Yes No
Access to file and folders Yes Yes
Access to (virtual) published applications Yes Yes
Access to virtual desktops (VDI) Yes Yes
Native client for multiple OSes and mobile devices Yes Limited
Automated client configuration based on the user’s email address Yes Yes
Native client for multiple OSes and mobile devices Yes Limited
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Easy to use

Parallels RAS is easy to deploy, manage, and maintain. Complex administrative tasks are simplified with smart wizards, freeing up administrator workloads. With just a few clicks, it's possible to set up RDSH servers, publish applications, and create VDI templates. 
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Cloud-ready

Parallels RAS supports on-premises, hybrid, and public cloud deployments including Microsoft Azure , Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud. With auto-provisioning and autoscaling, Parallels RAS templates are configured to allow on-demand deployment or removal of VMs to accommodate traffic requirements.
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Parallels RAS Citrix XenApp migration tool

Parallels RAS makes the migration process more comfortable with a free migration tool that automates most XenApp use-case scenarios. The migration tool extracts settings from Citrix XenApp 6.x and imports them into the Parallels RAS Console to allow for an effortless migration.
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Migrating to Parallels RAS Is Good for Your Business

Reduce Complexity

Scaling up Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops is complex and requires additional licenses, financial resources, and often third-party technical expertise.

Cut Costs

Parallels RAS offers savings on licensing and doesn’t require expensive add-ons, such as NetScaler, therefore reducing TCO.

Get an All-In-One Solution

Retain all the application delivery and VDI features you need at a fraction of the cost. Load balancing, printing redirection, and monitoring are ready out-of-the-box without additional expenses.

Access Free Training

Shorten the learning curve for IT staff thanks to our free training and intuitive management console.

Cost reduction up to 60% with Parallels RAS 5 Reasons for Choosing Parallels RAS over Citrix

Designed to Be More Reliable, Easier and Flexible

Application publishing

Deliver applications to remote users and mobile devices in a seamless and straightforward way. Users can continue to work on the same files as if they were at their office workstation. Parallels RAS is easy to configure and admins can instantly publish applications in just a few clicks.

Desktop management

Regain up to 80% of the time typically used to configure and manage desktop clients. Parallels RAS allows you to transform any Windows client into a secure and fully managed workstation. Existing company computers can be used as workstations to quickly deliver remote desktop and virtual applications, no matter their hardware specs. Save costs by repurposing old hardware. 

High Availability Load Balancing (HALB)

Out-of-the-box load balancing distributes data traffic among remote desktop servers and gateways with resource-based distribution (user sessions, memory and CPU). Third-party load balancers, such as AWS Elastic Load Balancer (ELB) and Azure Load Balancers, are also supported. 

A complete VDI solution

Parallels RAS supports both application and desktop delivery under the same management console, license and infrastructure. Combine any number of hypervisors with Parallels RAS to deliver applications seamlessly and publish remote desktops. Manage your VDI or Microsoft RDS centrally and efficiently.

Monitoring and reporting

The Parallels RAS Monitor and Reporting Engine provides a continuously extensive overview of your infrastructure, allowing for planning or troubleshooting. Take advantage of real-time monitoring with hundreds of preconfigured reports covering everything from applications to remote session activity. Support your team and troubleshoot possible scenarios before they even take place.

Universal Printing and Scanning

Allow your users to print and scan from any device: desktop, thin client, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone or HTML5 browser. Universal Printing and Scanning is auto-configured, without any extra action required by the IT administrator. Users can print and scan on local printers and scanners, without having to install a driver.

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Whittlebury Hall & Spa Switches To Parallels RAS

“Parallels RAS was very easy to deploy; it took much less time than Citrix Virtual Apps.”

Jeremy Stafford,
Whittlebury Hall

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Parallels RAS Customer Stories

Parallels RAS Overview

Our Approach

Parallels RAS is a cost-effective application delivery and VDI solution, that allows your employees to access and use applications, desktops and data from any device. Easy to deploy, configure, and maintain, Parallels RAS provides organizations with a seamless application delivery and VDI experience while reducing TCO and improving security. Learn more

What they say about us!

Citrix Xenapp Migration Tool

Use our free Citrix XenApp 6.x migration tool to quickly switch to Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) and start leveraging the most cost-effective, high-performing, and easy-to-use VDI and application delivery solution.

Migration to Parallels RAS is quick and simple—and now with our migration tool, it’s completely automated. Download our infographic.